The ESA And NRA Lobby Compared

Games Industry International has posted a fascinating
glimpse into the nature of the political lobbying efforts of several major
industries. In particular, one finding jumped out as a surprise. At $4.83
million, the ESA outspent the NRA's $2.9 million in lobbying efforts. However,
a closer look reveals that the NRA dwarfs the ESA in other political expenditures,
including the NRA's $19.77 million in outside spending, which includes "money
spent on TV spots, mass mailings, robocalls, and other communications." In the
same period of the last three election cycles, the ESA reported no such outside
spending.

The article also offers a comparative look at how other
organizations fit into the equation, including Google's $18.22 million lobby,
Philip Morris' $9.83 million lobby, and the Motion Picture Association of
America's $1.95 million lobby. Check out the full article for context and interviews on the subject, which helps to shed light on a part of the gaming business that's often ignored by its many fans and players.

Our TakeNo matter where you fall on the broad spectrum of opinions
about guns, video games, and violence, it's worth recognizing that no political
action (or inaction) occurs within a vacuum. Millions of dollars of lobbying
efforts by the ESA are made to protect game makers and publishers from
potential damage to their business every year. The nature of the American legislative
system means that won't change anytime soon.